no cartilage in right knee. I've had scope done and cortisone injections, doc told me many years ago that I need a knee replacement, but I can't afford to take 6 months off. I am prescribed tramadol, but don't like how they make me feel-the VA keeps sending me 240 every month, I have over 600 sitting in my medicine cabinet. I was taken off nsaids because of acid reflux, and that really hurt, lol. I did 6 months of glucosamine/chondroitin with only minor relief.... some better results with cissus, so I have stuck with it.